Holding on to Normal

"Alana Somerville-a wife, teacher and mother of two small children-was thirty-three years old when she was diagnosed with stage two, triple negative breast cancer. The diagnosis changed her world and the relationships she had with everyone around her. Suddenly she was faced with endless medical appointments, multiple surgeries and procedures, along with chemotherapy, and all the decisions involved. She also had to deal with the trauma of realizing that her support network-sometimes even the closest of friends-didn't have a clue what to do or how to react to her anymore. Throughout the course of her illness, Alana learned to maneuver through the medical system, to advocate for herself, and to build a truly supportive network. She also discovered how to keep her positive spirit intact while undergoing a double mastectomy and ongoing treatment. She is now living cancer-free-a survivor and an advocate. Alana's story is not unique. It's a story that will resonate with anyone who has suffered illness and found themselves navigating a whole new world upon diagnosis. This is an "every-woman's" journey through the experience of cancer, tracing the emotional, physical, and psychological steps that are common to all. In the end, this memoir will offer hope that one can live a healthy, fulfilling, and happy life beyond diagnosis. Holding on to Normal is for anyone who is suffering-or knows someone who is suffering from-a setback in life, and who is looking for inspiration on how to navigate their own journey."--